Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC Files Federal Lawsuit Against U.S. Air Force Officials Over Unreasonable Delay in Wrongful Death Claim
Washington, D.C. – February 17, 2025 – The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC has filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on behalf of Shawn Bogen, a widow seeking justice after the tragic drowning of her husband, Andrew Bogen, at a Department of the Navy-managed swimming facility in Japan.
The lawsuit, filed against senior officials of the United States Air Force, including Chief of the Foreign Torts and Litigation Branch, Stephen J. Eriksson, and Acting Secretary of the Air Force, Gary A. Ashworth, challenges the agency’s failure to take timely action on Ms. Bogen’s wrongful death claim under the Military Claims Act (MCA).
Mr. Bogen, a civilian Department of Defense Education Activity teacher, drowned at the Purdy Fitness Center Pool in Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on August 29, 2022. Despite visible distress, on-duty lifeguards failed to respond promptly, resulting in his untimely death.
Ms. Bogen initially filed her claim under the MCA in November 2023, yet the Air Force has refused to either approve or deny the claim, instead insisting that she first pursue a separate claim under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA)—despite clear legal precedent demonstrating that FECA does not apply in this case.
“The government’s refusal to take action on Mrs. Bogen’s claims is not just an administrative failure—it is an injustice,” said Dylan Thayer, lead counsel for the plaintiff. “By unlawfully withholding and unreasonably delaying a decision, the Air Force is denying a grieving widow the closure and compensation she is legally entitled to.”
The lawsuit, brought under the Mandamus Act (28 U.S.C. § 1361) and the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. § 706(1)), seeks a court order compelling the Air Force to take immediate action on Ms. Bogen’s claims and provide the justice she and her family deserve.
The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC remains committed to holding military and government agencies accountable and ensuring fair treatment for service members, federal employees, and their families.
For more information, please contact:
David P. Sheldon
Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC
100 M Street, S.E., Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20003
Phone: (202) 546-9575
Website: www.militarydefense.com